different approaches you may use for teaching controversial versus noncontroversial subjects. Identify the subjects and provide a specific example of each type of instruction.
Exactly what is your question?
I taught the noncontroversial subjects as I would math -- with wrong and right answers.
With controversial subjects, I taught the basics of the different points of view and invited serious class discussions on these subjects. It's important that the students realize that there are no wrong and right answers to controversial topics.
Perspectives on controversial topics:
1. Liberation pedagogy: Teachers should help to develop �gcritical
consciousness�h among students.
a. Teachers should allow the students to bring their own experiences and
perspectives to the problems investigated in the class, with the aim of
having students come to a new understanding of their place in the
world. On this view, the classroom should not be seen as a world
separate from wider society, but as enmeshed and invested in the
problems of the social and political world.
b. Paulo Freire, The Pedagogy of the Oppressed
2. Civic humanism: Teachers should prepare students for democratic citizenship.
a. Teaching should prepare students for the responsibilities of active
citizenship. Teaching should be concerned, in part, with developing
moral virtues, such as religious and cultural tolerance, a sense of social
responsibility, etc.
b. Derek Bok, Our Underachieving Colleges
3. Academic detachment: Teachers should academicize.
a. Rather than discussing head on what should be done, the point of
academia and teaching is to inquire as to the origins of the controversy
and the structures of competing arguments. Make controversial topics
into objects of academic investigation and analysis. �gDetach it from
the context of its real-world urgency, where there is a decision to be
made, and re-insert it into a context of academic urgency, where there
is an analysis to be performed.�h
b. Stanley Fish,
4. Ideological balancing: Teachers (and universities) should balance against the
liberal academic bias.
a. Academic freedom is essential to both faculty and students. Due to the
prevalence of liberal or left-leaning teachers at colleges and
universities, teachers and students must be vigilant of liberal bias in
one-sided lectures, unfair grading, etc.
b. David Horowitz, Students for Academic Freedom (slogan: �gYou can�ft
get a good education if they�fre only telling you half the story.�h)
Discussion: what are the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches to
controversial topics? Which do you think is the best way to handle such issues in the
classroom?
Strategies for teaching controversial subjects:
õÎ establish ground rules
õÎ establish a civil atmosphere in the classroom
õÎ moderate your own and students' overattachment to ideas and oversensitivity to
criticism
õÎ moderate negative thinking and strong emotions
õÎ keep it tied to the material
are they talking abiout that or no sorry i am lost
Yes. Those all pertain to teaching controversial subjects.
Now -- you need to
1. Choose a controversial subject.
2. Show how you would use each of the four techniques or methods in teaching that subject in your classroom. Be specific.
i have no idea lol
One of the controversial subjects, especially for younger children, is books about and/or parents raising children. If your elementary students read a book about a child being raised by or parents, how would you handle it in the classroom? Use the guidelines above.
Controversial issues can be about the causes of the present situation, what has happened, the likely effect of action, and desirable ends to work toward. Examples would be evolution and universal health care. Teachers should help to develop “critical consciousness” among the students. Teachers should allow their students to bring their own problems into the class. Strategies for teaching controversial subjects: establish ground rules, establish a civil atmosphere in the classroom, and moderate your own and students' over attachment to ideas and oversensitivity to criticism, moderate negative thinking and strong emotions, keep it tied to the material.
Scooby -- you must learn to think for yourself or you'll be eaten alive in a classroom.
Write specifically about how YOU would teach a controversial subject in YOUR classroom. Stop copying from your text and start applying what you're learning to the classroom you hope to have some day.
i just want to make sure i am on correct path
When teaching controversial subjects, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and provide opportunities for open discussion and critical thinking. On the other hand, noncontroversial subjects can be taught in a more direct and informational manner without the need for extensive debate. Here are different approaches you may use for teaching these two types of subjects, along with examples:
1. Controversial Subjects:
Approach: Balanced and dialogue-oriented
Example: Teaching about the Death Penalty
- Start by providing an overview of the history, legal frameworks, and arguments on both sides.
- Encourage students to research and discuss cases involving the death penalty around the world.
- Facilitate respectful debates and discussions, ensuring that all students feel comfortable expressing their opinions.
- Assign projects that require critical analysis of the topic, such as writing persuasive essays or participating in mock trials.
2. Noncontroversial Subjects:
Approach: Direct and informative
Example: Teaching about Photosynthesis
- Begin by explaining the definition, process, and importance of photosynthesis.
- Present clear diagrams and visuals to help students understand the stages involved and the role of chlorophyll.
- Conduct experiments or demonstrations that showcase photosynthesis in action.
- Assign hands-on activities like growing plants in controlled environments to observe the process firsthand.
The key distinction between the two approaches is the level of debate and critical thinking encouraged. In controversial subjects, the focus should be on fostering respectful dialogue and providing multiple perspectives. In noncontroversial subjects, the focus can be on conveying factual information and facilitating experiential learning.